Archives for January 3, 2018

STMicroelectronics and USound to launch ultra-small speakers at CES

January 3, 2018 by Sam Francis

STMicroelectronics, a semiconductor company, and USound, an audio wearables company, are launching the first silicon micro-speakers resulting from their technology collaboration announced last year.

Engineering samples are now with lead customers, and trade demonstrations will take place during CES 2018, in Las Vegas. (Main picture shows previously launched technology – not the new product.)

These extremely small speakers, expected to be the thinnest in the world and less than half the weight of conventional speakers, enable wearable tech such as earphones, over-the-ear headphones, or augmented reality and virtual reality headgear to become even more compact and comfortable. [Read more…] about STMicroelectronics and USound to launch ultra-small speakers at CES

David v Goliath in Chinese car market: Nio’s powerful slingshot

January 3, 2018 by Sam Francis

By Edward Tse, Gao Feng Advisory

The Chinese vehicle market is not only the largest in the world (sales of 28 million units in 2016) but it also offers the highest number of brands (130).

More and more new players – most of them local producers – are entering the field.

Globally China is establishing itself not only as the leading market for new-energy vehicles, but also for connectivity, autonomous driving and totally new mobility concepts. [Read more…] about David v Goliath in Chinese car market: Nio’s powerful slingshot

30 industrial robot manufacturers to watch

January 3, 2018 by Sam Francis

2018 looks all set to be a bumper year for sales of industrial robot arms across all categories – from the large, heavyweight class right down to the small desktop variety.

With established robot makers expanding their range, and with new startups launching innovative new models, the market is more dynamic than ever.

Oversupply may be a problem going forward, especially as Chinese robot manufacturers step up their production, but even including the new companies entering the market, the number of industry-standard robot makers worldwide is relatively small. [Read more…] about 30 industrial robot manufacturers to watch

How sensors and actuators are being used to create self-driven vehicles

January 3, 2018 by Sam Francis

Autonomous vehicles aren’t science fiction any more. Top automobile firms and technology giants are working towards making self-driven cars commercially available by 2021.

In the same way how IoT is revolutionizing the industrial organization, self-driven vehicles are revolutionizing the transportation industry, allowing people to travel safely and comfortably.

These connected vehicles have the ability to mitigate pollution owing to their real-time traffic information and smart routing. [Read more…] about How sensors and actuators are being used to create self-driven vehicles